Friction shock-absorbing mechanism



Dec. 25, 1928. 1,696,320

J. F OCONNOR FRICTION SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM Filed Feb.28. 1927 2 sheets sheet 1 w 4 I Q ,gh i/enfar v JahnZWQ/mar Dec. 25, 192s.

J. F. OCONNOR FRICTION SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 28, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 KHZ Patented Dec. 25, 1928. I I V i I I V UNITED STATES PATENT FFICE.

JOHN F. OCONNOR, or CHICAGO, rtninors, AssIenon To H. Mmnnl rnd, or

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION or DELAWARE. I

FRICTION SHOCK-ABSORBING MECHANISM.

Application filed February 28 1927. Serial No. 171,406.

This invention relates to improvements in form. The shoclrabsorbing mechanism friction shock absorbing mechanisms. proper and azfront main follower 15 are dis- One object of the invention is to provide posed within the yoke, and the yoke in turn a friction shock absorbing mechanism esis supported by a detachable saddleplate 16 55 o 5 pecially adapted for railway draft rigging, fixed to the draft sills.

including a spring cage and friction shell The improved shock absorbing mechanism 2 having limited relative movement together comprises broadly: A spring-cageA; a, fric- With friction means cooperating with the tion shell B; awedge block C; friction shoes v shell resisted by spring means disposed with- D and E; anchoring elements F' F; for con- 60 in the shell, the shell and friction means being; necting the friction shell and spring cage; a p

relatively movable in unison to effect comwedge retaining means G; a pair of spring pression of the spring resistance during a followers HH; and -twinarrangedspring predetermined portion. of the compression resistance elements J. o p

stroke to produce relatively light resistance The spring cage A is in the form of a sub- 65, and movement of the shell being positively stantially rectangular box-like casting hav limited after said predetermined compression ing longitudinally disposedverticalside walls I to compel movement of the friction elements -l717, horizontal disposed longitudinally eX-' with respect to the shell to produce high tending spaced top and bottom walls 18, and

capacity, wherein interlocking, readily detransverse verticalend wall 19. The end 70 tachable means of rugged design is provided wall 19 cooperates with the stop lugs 12 in for anchoring the shell and wedge means to the manner of the usual rear follower. At th cag the forwardench'the top and bottom walls Other objects and advantages of the in- 18 of the cage A are provided with centrally vention will more fully and clearly appear disposed projecting lugs20-2O for a pur- 75 from the description and claims hereinafter posehereinafterdescribed. following. The friction shell B is also in the from of In the drawings, forming a part of this. a substantially rectangular box-like casing specification, Figure 1 is a horizontal longiand is open at its front and rear ends. The tudinal sectional view of a portion of a rail-" casing has longitudinally disposed vertical -36 way draft rigging, showing my improvespaced sidewalls 21-"21 and horizontally disments in connection therewith. Figure 2 is posed spaced topand bottom walls 22-22.

a front end elevational view of the shock ab- The side walls 21 are providedwith interior 1 sorbing mechanism proper. Figure 3 is a "liners 23 having flat inner frictionsurfaces I transverse vertical sectional view correspond- 24 converging inwardly of the mechanism. 85 ing substantially to the line 3-3 of Figure 1. The liners 23 are ,detachably mounted on the Figure 4 is a longitudinal vertical sectional. side walls of the shell by interengaging lug view of the front end portion of the shock and slot connections designated by 25. It

absorbing mechanismillustrated in Figure 1 will be evident that the liners are thus held and corresponding substantially to the line against longi'tudinal movement with respect 9 40 44 of said figure. And Figure 5 is a deto the friction shell. The top and bottom tailed perspective view of one of the anchorwalls 22 of the friction shell are provided ing element-s employed for holding the fric-- with interior central lugs 26 at the rear end tion shell and spring cage of the shock abthereof. I i 1 I sorbing mechanism assembled. The wedge block C hasa front flat face f In said drawings, 101O indicate channeh bearing directly on the inner side of the shaped center or draft sills of a railway car main follower15. At the inner end, the underframe, to the inner sides of which are wedge is provided with a pair-of inwardly I secured front stop lugs 11-11 and rear stop converging wedge faces 27 and 28, the wedge lugs 12-12. The inner end portion of the face 27 being inclined at a relatively keen 10 drawbar is designated by 13, to which is opwedge acting anglewith respect to the loneratively connected a yoke 14 of well-known gitudinally axis of the mechanism and the the lugs andQG of the spring cage wedge face 28 being inclined at a relatively blunt angle with respect to said axis. The wedge block C is provided with a. vertical T- shaped slot 29 which serves to receive the connecting means on the retaining element G.

The friction shoes which are two in number, are disposed at opposite sides of the mechanism. The two shoes which are indicated by D and E, are of similar design, except as hereinafter pointed out. Each shoe has a flat outer longitudinally disposed friction surface 30 (o-operating with the friction surface 25 of the friction shell. On the inner side, each shoe islaterally enlarged as indicated at 31, the enlarged portion thereof being provided with an outer wedge face adapted to co-opcrate with the wedge face at the same side of the wedge block 0. The wedge face of the shoe D is designated by 32 and is correspondingly inclined to and adapted to co-operate with the wedge face 27 of the block C. The wedge face of the shoe E is designated by 33 and is adapted to co-operate with the wedge face 28 on the wedge block C. The inner ends of the en largements of the shoes present fiat transverse abutment faces 3% adapted to eo-opcrate with the outer ends of the central coils of the twin arranged spring resistance elements J.

The spring cage A and friction shell B are connected for lost motion by the con necting or anchoring members F. Each of the anchoring members F as most clearly shown in Figure 5, is in the form of a relatively heavy rectangular plate having projecting transverse flanges 35 at the opposite ends thereof. On the side opposite the flanges, the plate F is longitudinally slotted as indicated at 36 for a purpose hereinafter described. The opposite longitudinal edges of the plate F at the slotted side thereof are cut away to present concave faces to accommodate the sides of the two heavy outer coils of the spring resistance means. As most clearly shown in Figures 1 and at. each of the connecting plate members F has the front and rear flanges 35 thereof engaged behind and frictionshell respectively. The plates are disposed above and below the retaining element G and are held in position thereby. it will be evident that by the lost motion connection provided, the friction shell and spring cage will have a certain amount of limited relative movement and outward movement of the friction shell B with respect to the spring cage A will be positively limited.

The retaining element G is in the form of a relatively heavy bar cut away at the top and bottom between the ends thereof as indicated at 37-37 to accommodate the corresponding anchoring elements F. It will be noted that the cut away portions 37 are of somewhat greater length than the anchoring members F, thereby providing for a certain amount of relative movement be tween the retaining element and the anchoring elements F. At the r an end. the retaining element (1 is provided with top and bottom projecting portions 38-3S presenting lugs engaging behind the flanges 13:") of the anchoring elements F. At the forward end, the opposite sides of the rclainii'ig member t are vertically slotted as indicated at :39. thereby leaving a T-headcd front end -10 adapted to engage within the slotted section 29 of the wedge C. The opposite sides of the retaining clement (i are cut away as indicated at 41 in Figure 3. to provide concave recesses adapted to accommodate the sides of the outer coils of the spring resistance J.

The spring followers HI-l are in the form of plate-like members and are provided with central openings 42 adapted to freely accommodate the inner coils of the twin spring resistance elements. Each spring follower is also provided with a forwardly projecting annu ar ilangc til surrounding the opening thereof and en aging the inncrrnd of the corresponding friction shoe.

The spring resistance 3 comprises two sets of twin arranged coils, each set comprising a relatively light inner coil all and a relatively heavier outer coil 45. The coil 45 of each set has the opposite ends thereof bearing on the inner end of the corresi'ionding spring follower and the end wall 19 of the spring cage A. The inner coil a l, as most clearly shown in Figure 1. is of mnsidcrably greater length than the outer coil and projects through the opening 42 of the cm'responding spring follower and has its front end hear ing on the transverse abutn'ient face (lei of the corresponding friction shoe and the rear end thereof hearing on the end wall 19 of the spring cage. Vihen the mechanism is assembled. the parts are pre ferably placed un der initial compression so that the springs will tend to force the friction shoes outward- 1y, thereby compensating for wear of the various wedge and friction surfaces.

In assembling the mechanism, the anchoring elements are inserted and engaged with the lugs of the friction shell and spring cage. the wedge retaining clement G having first been assembled with the anchoring elements F with the lugs thereof engaging the inner ends of the elements F. The main 'springs, spring followers and friction shoes are then inserted through the front end of the friction shell, the side walls of the shell being cut away as shown in Figure 2 to permit this. After the parts have been thus assembled. the liners are placed in position and the wedge block C is attached to the front end of the wedge retaining clement G. In order to attach the wedge (l to the retaining element G, the parts are compressed so that lhll llll

l lit) the shell will engage the front end of the spring cage and the shoes will be positioned inwardly a sufficient distance to permit the slot 29 of the wedge C to be engaged with the T-head 40 of the retaining element G. After the wedge has been thus connected to the retaining element, the parts are permitted to expand, whereby the front edge of the friction shell will be caused to overlap the slot29 of the wedge C and prevent vertical displacement of the wedge, thereby holding the same locked to the retaining element G. It will be evident that at no time during the compression of the mechanism will the friction shell be moved rearwardly with respect to the wedge C to an extent which will permit the edge to become detached from the retaining element G.

The operation of my improved shock absorbing mechanism, assuming a compression stroke, is as follows: The front main follower 15 and the spring cage A will be moved relatively toward each other, thereby forcing the wedge inwardly of the friction shell and setting up a wedging action between the same and the spring resisted friction shoes. The

shoes will thus be spaced apart and forced into tight frictional contact with the friction surfaces of the liners 28. Due to the friction existing between the liners and the shoes, the friction shell B will be carried in of the compression stroke of the mechanism.

During this last stage of operation, the resistance offered will be greately augmented due to the friction created between the shoes and friction shell surfaces.

During release, when the actuating force is reduced, the expansive action of the springs J will force the friction shoes outwardly, the friction sheli being initially carried therewith due to the friction existingbetween the the shoes and the shell. Outward movement of the shell will be limited by the flanges 35 at the inner ends of the anchoring elements E coming into engagement with the lugs 20 at the forward end of the spring cage. When movement of the shell has thus been arrested, the friction shoes will be forced outwardly with respect to the shell until their movement is limited by the wedge C, movement of which is arrested by the retaining element E engaging the inner ends of the anchoring elements F.

\Vhile I have herein shown and described what I now consider the preferred manner of carrying out my invention, the same is merely I illustrative, andv I contemplate all changes and modifications that come within claims appended hereto.

necting the cage to'the shell,for limited rela tive movement; friction means co-operating with the shell, includ ng a wedge 'member; means for anchorlng the wedgeimember to the spring cage and maintainingi'said connecting means locked to the cageiand shell, said anchoring means limiting outward movement of the'wedgewith respectto the friction shell; and spring resistance means opposlng.

relative movement ofthe friction means and shell with respect'to the cage, during a compression stroke;

2. In a. friction shock absorbingmechanism, the combination with a spring cage; of V a friction shell; a detachable lostmotion connection between the shell and cage having Ishouldered engagement therewith; friction shoes co-operating with the friction shell; .a

wedge;means for anchoring thef wedge to the cage, said means engaging and holdlng the lost motionconnection against :lateral movement to prevent disengagement thereof f fromthe spring cage and shell and spring resistance means opposing movement of the I" friction shoes.

3. In a friction shock nism, the combination with a friction shell; of a spring cage, said cage and shell'having a lost motion connection; friction shoes cooperating with the shell; wedge means cooperating with the shoes; a main spring resistance within the cage, including inner and outer COllS both-extending into the friction shell and engaging the frlction shoes.

4. In a friction shock absorbing mecha- I nism, the'combination with a springcage; of a friction shell, said shell and cage having limited relative movement toward and away from each other; a lost motion connection between the shell and cage, including detachable connecting elements interlockedwith the cage and shell; means interposed between said elements for holdingth-esame locked to the shell and cage and also preventing lateral of a spring cage, saidshell and cage being provided with lugs on the opposite walls thereof; anchoring elements for connecting the shell and cage'for lost motion, said anchoring elements having lugs co-operating With the lugs of the cage; friction shoes at opposite sides of the mechanism cooperating absorbing mecha- I lit] 7 shock absorbing mechar nism, the comblnation wlth afriction shell with the shell; a wedge held between the shoes and co-operating therewith; retaining means for the wedge engaged with the anchoring elements, said retaining means being interposed between the anchoring elements to hold the same engaged with the lugs of the shell and cage, said anchoring elements and retaining means having interengaging means thereon to prevent relative lateral displacement of said retaining means and anchoring elements; and a spring resistance opposing relative movement of the cage and friction shoes.

6. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a spring cage; of a friction shell, said shell and cage having a detachable lost motion connection; a friction system co-operating with the shell, said system including a wedge member; means confined to longitudinal movement by said lost motion connection for anchoring the wedge to limit outward movement thereof, said anchoring means being detachably connected to the wedge; spring means opposing movement of the friction system and shell toward the spring cage.

7.111 a. friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with arectangular spring cage having stop shoulders on the opposed walls thereof; of a rectangular friction shell having stop shoulders on the opposed walls thereof, said shell and cage being relatively movable to a limited extent longitudinally of the mechanism; connecting bars having shoulders engaging both the shoulders of the friction shell and spring cage to limit outward movement of the shell with respect to the cage; friction shoes co-operat-ing with the shell; a wedge member interposed between the shoes; a retaining bar for the wedge interposed between said connecting bars, said retaining bar being anchored to the wedge and having shoulders thereon cooperating with the inner end of the connecting bars to limit outward movement of the retaining bar and wedge; means on said connecting bars for limiting the retaining bar to movement in a direction longitudinally of the mechanism. said retaining bar being dctachably connected to the wedge; and spring resistance means within the age co-operating with the friction shoes and shell.

8. In a friction shock absorbing mecha nism, the combination with a spring cage; of a friction shell, said shell and cage being relatively movable to a. limited extent longitudinally of the mechanism and having a lost motion connection; friction means coope 'atin with the shell, said means including a wet ge member; a retaining member for the wedge anchored to the cage, said retaining member and wedge having interengaging means thereon forholding the wedge anchored to the retaining member, said interlocking means being overlapped by the walls of the shell when the parts are assembled to prevent accidental disengagement of the wedge; and spring resistance means Within the cage cooperating with the friction means.

9. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a cage; of a friction shell relatively movable toward and from the cage; a spring resistance; friction means cooperable with said friction shell and spring means, said friction means including a pressure-t 'ansmitting wedge; means dotachably connected to the shell and cage for limiting their relative separation while permitting relative approach; and means dotachably connected with the cage and said wedge limiting the relative separation of the wedge and cage while permitting relative approach thereof.

In witness that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto subscribed my name this 23rd day of February, 1927.

JOHN F. OCONNOR. 

